"The main reasons were health problems and family issues that caused financial distress. I had to make a decision," said owner Tim Geurden. "It's sad. I loved what I was doing, and I loved everybody I had over there as customers. But it was getting tough for me due to some uncontrollable circumstances. There were a lot of hours and health issues. It got to be too much."

Geurden operated the business for 12 years, and before that worked as a mechanic at the previous auto repair shop in that location. He leased the building, which is now cleaned out and dark.

Geurden said that while he wanted to thank his customers, he doesn't plan to reopen anywhere else in the future. "When I get everything cleared away, I will hopefully find something. Not as a mechanic, but something to do with autos."

Reader question: Not sure if you've heard anything about the Mobil gas station at Richmond and Capitol in Appleton. When I drove by I noticed crews digging in a portion of the property. It appeared the gas tanks and pumps were being removed. I'd be curious to know what is going on.

Answer: Improvements to the Mobil/Fox Convenience store at 3401 N. Richmond St. were completed Thursday and the pumps are again operating. The store never shut during the construction.

The station is a short distance from the big highway overpass project at U.S. 41 and State 47.

When Mobil owner Todd Van Zeeland learned about the highway project, he figured his traffic would be down.

"I'm taking advantage of the down time to make much-needed improvements," he said back in March at the start of the highway work. "I'll use the time to tear out tanks and redo the parking lot."

That work is now complete.

Reader question: What are they digging over on Shady Lane?

Answer: "The digging is for a detention pond," said George Dearborn, director of community development for the Town of Menasha.

Arena Drive and East Shady Lane, meanwhile, are getting dug up for a storm sewer main. The roads will be reconstructed with new curbs and gutters.

"It will also have a trail for bikes and pedestrians, and a bike lane from Cold Spring Road to American Drive," Dearborn said.